lay and levy, a little confusion

[Daniel A.]

„Another utilized the word «remuneration» instead of «enumeration»
Still another said «levy» instead of «lay», and so on and so
on. So the question becomes, if the requisite number of states did not
all vote on the same identical text for the 16th Amendment, can the
amendment really be considered ratified?“

Steve Berry - Patriot Threat

What the „lay“ word means?

 

[Copyright]

Modern definition, and possibly the definition at that time, since it seems nearly interchangeable with "levy":

WordReference Random House Dictionary: lay: v. 13. to impose (a tax, fine, etc.):to levy a duty on imports.

 

[wandle]

'Levy' actually means 'raise'. We speak of levying a tax (the government raises the money) or levying troops (raising an army).

 

[Copyright]

'Levy' actually means 'raise'. We speak of levying a tax (the government raises the money) or levying troops (raising an army).

In AE, from Random House, it's levy: v. 3. to impose (a tax, fine, etc.):to levy a duty on imports.

 

[wandle]

A levy (noun) can be a tax, and it can also be a dyke (a flood barrier). In the first case, money is raised (metaphorically); in the second case, earth is raised literally.

 

[Myridon]

it can also be a dyke (a flood barrier)

That's usually spelled "levee," isn't it?

 

[se16teddy]

No doubt US contributors know the 16th Amendment verbatim, inside-out and back-to-front. For others this may be useful:
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution - Wikipedia

 

[boozer]

That's usually spelled "levee," isn't it?

I don't know about 'usually', but this is the only spelling I am aware of.